Colchester Council cabinet set to vow to tackle cost of living crisis

The authority’s new cabinet, confirmed last week at a full council meeting and made up of Lib Dem, Labour and Green councillors, is due to meet in public for the first time on June 8.

A report to go before the cabinet set out its proposed vision for the year to come.

READ MORE: Who will do what in Colchester Council's new cabinet?

The recommendations have as their focus “working with councillors, officers, residents, businesses and partners to help the council tackle the biggest challenges facing Colchester”.

These challenges include “everything from sustainability and climate change to the cost of living crisis, homelessness and inequalities”.

The cost of living crisis has made headlines in recent months, referring to the fall in real disposable incomes the UK has experienced since late 2021.

With energy bills skyrocketing and inflation hitting nine per cent in April – its highest level in more than 40 years – everyone is feeling the squeeze.

The report, which will likely be agreed by cabinet members, said: “The cost-of-living crisis needs an immediate response, from every level of Government, with partners and at pace.

“This cabinet will prioritise support for those faced with terrible choices, between food or warmth or other essential needs, working with communities and through our community partners to build community wealth.

“This will include working with partners, strengthening the capacity of the council’s high performing welfare support team and leveraging resources to provide targeted help for those in extreme difficulty, acknowledging rising demand for help and support for the most vulnerable.”

The report also said Colchester’s newly-awarded city status will “boost the economy in Colchester and north Essex”.

It adds: “Everyone in Colchester deserves to feel the benefit.

“This administration will step up partnership work with local businesses and the county council to sustain and strengthen the town centre, working with the Business Improvement District and others to respond to the loss of iconic past brands.”

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There was widespread disappointment last month when Marks and Spencer announced it would close its store in High Street, Colchester, which opened in 1931.

The retail giant announced it will shut the shop later this year as part of expansion plans which will see a bigger store open at Stane Retail Park.

Colchester's Marks and Spencer store is set to close

The environment looks to be a central issue to the new cabinet, with the report calling for “decisive” action to “ease the transition” to net zero carbon emissions, while encouraging recycling and reducing littering and graffiti.

The cabinet will also vow to tackle the “long standing challenge” of flooding at the Hythe.

Council bosses will also announce preparation for a “new, ambitious and progressive” longer-term strategic plan for the whole authority from April 2023.